SLFP General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena, TNA - MP - MA Sumanthiran and NCPA chairperson Anoma Dissanayake gave their views.

Rapid development

SLFP General Secretary and Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena

Q: You are confident that UPFA will record a landslide victory at the forthcoming Provincial Council (PC) election. How could you expect such a victory?

A: The UPFA Government has carried out unprecedented development in the provinces during the past four years. The Government has put the country on the road to rapid development after eradicating terrorism. Development could be witnessed all over the country.

Q: The SLMC has decided to go it alone in the Eastern Province for the PC election. Why is that?

A: The SLMC took that decision after obtaining the consent of the UPFA. After the election the SLMC will be back in the UPFA.

Fair chance of winning

TNA MP - M.A. Sumanthiran

Q: Why has the TNA decided to contest Eastern Provincial Council election this time?

A: Though the present situation in the province is not altogether perfect it is better than what it was earlier.

Q: Have you pinned your hopes on victory?

A: The TNA has a fair chance of winning the election.

Q: You could not win the support of the SLMC. What is your view about SLMC's decision?

A: We believe that SLMC's decision to contest as an independent group reflects the aspirations of the Muslim people in the Eastern Province.

Contact NCPA for child abuse cases

National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) Chairman Anoma Dissanayake

Q: A series of child abuse cases came to light in recent months due to the good work of NCPA. How could the public contact you to report any incidents of child abuse?

A: The public could contact the NCPA by dialling the hotline 1929. That number was introduced as a means to mitigate child abuse and harassment of women.

Q: What is the current law regarding such offences?

A: It is illegal to have sex with a person under 18. It is also illegal to accompany an under aged girl or a boy to a hotel or lodge. Providing room facilities to an under aged child and accompanying adult is an offence.